Author: Gospel Folio Press

Our Lord's rightful home is in the sanctuary, in the true sanctuary, heaven itself. But He willingly came to this little world stained by sin, and battered by storms. One day, to His disciples’ astonishment, He came to them walking on the stormy waves of Galilee. But with greater astonishment still they saw Him sink beneath the waters at Golgotha where He could say, “All Thy waves and Thy billows are gone over Me,” (Ps. 42:7). How grateful we should be today that “Many waters cannot quench love,” (Song of Sol. 8:7). His way in that sea has brought us into His sanctuary. —S. M.

There are three important things in this text. First there is an important possession—God’s Word. Then there is an important place where we are to hide the Word—our heart. Finally there is an important purpose to this activity—to keep from sinning. Someone has anonymously and correctly stated, “The best book in the world is the Bible. The best place to put it is in the heart. The best reason for putting it there is that it saves us from sinning against God.” By way of further emphasis D. L. Moody said: “Sin will keep you from the Book, but the Book will keep you from sin.” —W. Ross Rainey

Why read the Old Testament? The New Testament gives two reasons. First, to give us hope and secondly, that by heeding the examples in it, we might be holy. In a hopeless and unholy world, we need to read the Word—all of it! —Rex Trogdon

Men place great importance on earthly intelligence, but this question causes us to think about the “mind” of the Lord. His vast intellect has complete knowledge of every aspect of the universe from the microscope to the telescope. In addition to the material universe, He knows, in absolute detail, the lives, motives and thoughts of every person that has ever or will ever live. No wonder the inspired writer says, “Who has been His counsellor?” —S. D. B.

Routed by their enemies, Israel discerned that their defeat was ordained by the Lord. Instead of examining themselves to see where they had sinned, they tried to manipulate God into helping them by bringing the Ark to the army. Although it was the Almighty’s symbolic throne in that day, this box could never save them. Neither will man’s programs or methods deliver the Church from its problems. We must repent and trust in the Lord alone. The answer lies in a personal God, never in an “it”. —K. R. Keyser

Christian partnership is a divinely provided fellowship which needs careful and prayerful nurturing. The Church works together with different backgrounds; ethnic, social, male and female. We have different spiritual gifts and natural talents; some public, some private, but all needed and important. We have different duties; communicating truth, encouraging and comforting one another but all praying for each other. Our goals are simple; to glorify God in our hearts and lives; minister to the needs of the family of Christ and serve a loving Master. —Milton Haack

David had been restored to his position as king, and representatives of both Judah and Israel had been involved. Sadly, however, there was dissension about who had been responsible for the homecoming. It is amazing how we, as believers, can find time to take offense and argue over issues that have gone well. Good events can turn into sad ones if we let the flesh take over with its envy and jealousy. —Brian Russell

When approaching God in the tabernacle of old, the first two articles one met in the courtyard were the altar and laver. First was the altar of sacrifice where the blood was shed, then the laver to wash the hands and feet. Today we approach God in the same manner: by the blood of Christ to atone for our sin, and by the washing of water by the word of God to continually remove the contamination of that sin.—Tom Steere

Do you have a burden today? Take it to the Lord. Call on Him. He has promised to answer. Savour the prospect of His response. He usually answers when we least expect, and usually in a fashion we did not imagine—mighty ways that we cannot prescribe. Call on Him, and leave the burden there. Too often we neither leave the burden, nor call in honest faith; and that is the reason we too often see no answer.—Doug Kazen